Best Choice Oriental Grocery

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed both 3-compartment sinks in rear prep: stoppers missing instructed manager must provide working stoppers at both 3-compartment sink.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the prep and storage areas. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed cutting boards in the rear prep area with open seams and dark stains. Instructed to refinish or replace damaged or stained cutting boards and maintain at all times.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the reach in coolers in need of cleaning. Instructed to detail clean.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Faucets, hot and cold-water handles at handsinks in front and rear prep hard to turn, instrcuted to repair or replace and maintain

Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed grease trap in rear prep leaking from broken base and with no lid, noted grease trap in basement without lid. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed missing and damaged floor tiles front prep, rear prep and behind dispay cases, throughout facility. Instructed to repair to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Must maintain at all times.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed chipped paint on the walls in the front and rear prep and walk in coolers. Instructed to resurface and repaint chipped areas to ensure walls are sealed, smooth and easily cleanable.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter stored on floor in basement and rear prep areas and in rear storage area. Instructed manager to remove all unused articles and equipment to prevent pest harborage

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Noted no metal stem thermometer on site to monitor the internal food temperature of tcs food delivered and served. Facility must obtain and maintain proper thermometers. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued"

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Noted electric fly trap hanging directly over open food, above prep table in prep area behind counter. According to food code: insects control devices shall be installed so that devices are not located over food preparation atrea must relocate existing fly trap devices in direct violation of this rule.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed both 3-compartment sinks in rear prep: stoppers missing instructed manager must provide working stoppers at both 3-compartment sink.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the prep and storage areas. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed cutting boards in the rear prep area with open seams and dark stains. Instructed to refinish or replace damaged or stained cutting boards and maintain at all times.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Observed facility without a chemical test kit for (chlorine)sanitizer or for ware washing area. Informed person in charge a (chlorine)test kit that accurately measures the concentration in mg/l of sanitizing solution must be provided. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the reach in coolers in need of cleaning. Instructed to detail clean.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Faucets, hot and cold-water handles at handsinks in front and rear prep hard to turn, instrcuted to repair or replace and maintain

Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed grease trap in rear prep leaking from broken base and with no lid, noted grease trap in basement without lid. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed missing and damaged floor tiles front prep, rear prep and behind dispay cases, throughout facility. Instructed to repair to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Must maintain at all times.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed chipped paint on the walls in the front and rear prep and walk in coolers. Instructed to resurface and repaint chipped areas to ensure walls are sealed, smooth and easily cleanable.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter stored on floor in basement and rear prep areas and in rear storage area. Instructed manager to remove all unused articles and equipment to prevent pest harborage.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Noted continued non-compliance from report #2104295 conducted on 11/07/17. Previous core violations not corrected: (#35)6-201.11 replace/repair water damaged ceiling tiles at front customer display area and at rear in basement. Must correct core violations by the date on the report. Priority foundation violation #7-42-090. Citation issued.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Replace/repair water damaged ceiling tiles at front customer display area and at rear in basement.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed leak at pipes under exposed handwash sink at front display area and fish prep area by 3-comp sink. Must repair.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Remove clutter and unnecessary articles at front display area, basement and in vegetable prep area. Organize and maintain at all times.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Raw wooden shelves inside walk-in frezzer and coolers, instructed to seal

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: No drain board at 3-comp sink, instructed to install a shelf above sink for proepr air drying.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Walk-in cooler thermometer mounted in coldest part, instructed to keep in warmest part closer to door.

Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

Inspector’s note: Food handlers at fresh meat counter not wearing hair restraints.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Broken floor tiles in rear prep area in front of meat cooler and behind ice machine; must repair and maintain.

Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violations not corrected from 08/19/13 report#1319710. 33)must detail clean all prep tables,cooking equipment,coolers,shelves and all dirty surfaces throughout prep and dishwashing areas. Also detail clean the interior of the ice machine and the hood above the cooking equipment(38) must increase the water pressure at the 1st floor fish preparation area hand sink.(41) must remove all unnecessary clutter in basement. Store all items 6 inches off the floor. Must store all food items in walk in freezer on shelves 6 inches off the floor. Serious violation 7-42-090.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Rusty food storage shelving in rear food storage area. Must repaint or replace.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Broken floor tiles in rear prep area in front of meat cooler and behind ice machine. Must repair/maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed water damage ceiling tiles above 3-door reach-in freezer, above cutting meat tables and in front and rear storage areas. Must repair/replace.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must properly label all packaged foods offered for sale.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must replace all worn cutting boards throughout premises. Must also seal or paint all raw wood shelves in walk in cooler. Must remove peeling paint from ceilings in walk in coolers. Must repair small opening along the bottom of the rear receiving doors.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean all prep tables,cooking equipment,coolers,shleves and all dirty surfaces throughout prep and dishwashing areas. Also detail clean the interior of the ice machine and the hood above the cooking equipment.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean floors throughout 1st floor prep areas.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must repair damaged ceiling throughout basement. Must replace all stained ceiling tiles on site.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Must provide adequate light shields and end caps on lights over fish tanks in basement.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must repair leaky pipes under the three compartment sink. Must also repair the broken faucet handle at the three compartment sink. Must repair the leaky pipes under the exposed hand sink in the rear prep area next to three compartment sink. Must increase the water pressure at the 1st floor fish preparation area hand sink. Must repair leak in walk in cooler in rear.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Must remove all unnecessary clutter in basement. Store all items 6 inches off the floor. Must store all food items in walk in freezer on shelves 6 inches off the floor.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: Noted evidence of insects and rodents on site. Noted approximately 35 live large flies and 20 live small flies on site crawling on walls and flying throughout prep and storage areas. Also noted approximately 20 rat droppings scattered under basement stairs and in rear storage areas. Must remove droppings,sanitize affected areas and have the pest control company service areas. Serious citation issued 7-38-020

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must properly label all packaged foods offered for sale.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must replace all worn cutting boards throughout premises. Must also seal or paint all raw wood shelves in walk in cooler. Must replace all worn flaps at walk in cooler and freezer doors. Must remove peeling paint from ceilings in walk in coolers. Must repair small opening along the bottom of the rear receiving doors.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean all prep tables,cooking equipment,coolers,shleves and all dirty surfaces throughout prep and dishwashing areas. Also detail clean the interior of the ice machine and the hood above the cooking equipment.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean floors throughout 1st floor prep areas.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must repair damaged ceiling throughout basement. Must replace all stained ceiling tiles on site.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Must provide adequate light shields and end caps on lights over fish tanks in basement.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must repair leaky pipes under the three compartment sink. Must also repair the broken faucet handle at the three compartment sink. Must repair the leaky pipes under the exposed hand sink in the rear prep area next to three compartment sink. Must increase the water pressure at the 1st floor fish preparation area hand sink. Must repair leak in walk in cooler in rear.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Must remove all unnecessary clutter in basement. Store all items 6 inches off the floor. Must store all food items in walk in freezer on shelves 6 inches off the floor.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: Found large receiving door at rear of premises not rodent proofed.(about 1 inch gap at bottom) citation issued.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Found exterior of grease trap not clean.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean at rear of premises by preparation areas.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. REPLACE WORN WOOD SHELVES BY FISH TANKS BEHIND ICE MACHINE. REPLACE WORN WOODEN PARTITION AT BUTCHER AREA AT HAND WASH SINK. REMOVE MILK AND PLASTIC CRATES BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS ON 1ST. FLOOR, BASEMENT, AND WALK-IN COOLERS AND REPLACE WITH ADEQUATE SHELVING/RACKS. PAINT RUSTY RACKS AT FRONT UPRIGHT REFRIGERATORS.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Clean and sanitize the following: interior splash guard at ice machine, exterior/interior of cooking stove, prep tables at rear prep area, interior of three compartment sink at inner corners/seams at rear prep area, interior of upright refrigerators at front area, food bins/containers, interior of freezers, and pallets.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILES AT PRODUCE, FRONT FOOD STORAGE AREA, AND BUTCHER AREA AND AS NEEDED. CLEAN FLOORS ESPECIALLY ALONG WALL BASE AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING PANELS, CLEAN SPILLS ABOVE BUTCHER AREA, AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. REATTACH PANEL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Replace light bulb inside produce walk-in cooler.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOUND OPEN CONTAINERS OF READY TO EAT FOODS: DRIED SALTED FISH, DRIED CHINESE PORK, DRIED SHRIMP, DRIED SNAILS, CHINESE VEGETABLE (ROHLRABI) WITH RED SAUCE, DRIED LILY USED FOR CHINESE SOUPS, AND SPICY CHINESE VEGETABLE (ROHLRABI) FOR CUSTOMER SELF SERVICE WITH NO SNEEZE GUARD, COVER, AND OR LIDS. ALSO, NO TONGS OR UTENSILS FOR CUSTOMERS TO HANDLE SAID ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL TONG AND OR UTENSIL FOR CUSTOMER SELF SERVICE OF FOOD ITEMS. MANAGER PROVIDED COVERS FOR DRIED FOOD ITEMS AND REMOVED CHINESE (ROHLRABI) AND DRIED PORK FROM SALE AT THIS TIME. SERIOUS 7-38-005 (A).

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: Found rear exit double doors at dock area not rodent proofed nor tight fitting, measured 1/4th inch gap at upper left side of said door and 2 inch gap under said double doors. Instructed to make tight fitting so as no daylight can be seen and rodent proof to prevent pest entry. Serious 7-38-020 issued.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. PAINT RUSTY PREP TABLE BOTTOM SHELF AT BUTCHER AREA. REPLACE WORN WOOD SHELVES BY FISH TANKS BEHIND ICE MACHINE. REPLACE WORN WOODEN UTENSIL AT BUTCHER AREA. REMOVE MILK AND PLASTIC CRATES BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS ON 1ST. FLOOR, BASEMENT, AND WALK-IN COOLERS AND REPLACE WITH ADEQUATE SHELVING/RACKS. PAINT RUSTY RACKS AT FRONT UPRIGHT REFRIGERATORS.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Clean and sanitize the following: interior splash guard at ice machine, exterior/interior of cooking stove, prep tables at rear prep area, interior of three compartment sink at inner corners/seams at rear prep area, interior of upright refrigerators at front area, food bins/containers, interior of freezers, and pallets.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILES AT PRODUCE AND BUTCHER AREA AND AS NEEDED. CLEAN FLOORS ESPECIALLY ALONG WALL BASE AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING PANELS, CLEAN SPILLS ABOVE BUTCHER AREA, AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. REATTACH PANEL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Replace light bulb inside produce walk-in cooler.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Replace worn wash clothes at butcher area.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CEILING SECTIONS IN BASEMENT AND REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING PANELS.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKS AT FAUCET AND HANDLES AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FAUCET WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN, MANAGER REMOVED. PREMISES HAS TWO OTHER THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE UTENSILS.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER THROUGHOUT.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOUND FROZEN FISH, SHRIMP, AND BEEF INSIDE REFRIGERATORS WITH NO COVERS, FOUND OPEN DRY SAUSAGE, DRIED FISH, ASIAN FOOD PRODUCTS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE WITH NO COVER, LID, NOR SNEEZE GUARD TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED CUSTOMERS HANDLING DRY FISH WITH BARE HAND CONTACT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER, LID, OR SNEEZE GUARD TO PROTECT FOODS FROM CONTAMINATION AND PROVIDE UTENSILS FOR CUSTOMER SELF SERVE OF OPEN FOOD PRODUCTS. SERIOUS 7-38-005 (A) ISSUED.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. FOUND 1/4 INCH GAP UNDER OVERHEAD DELIVERY DOOR AND 1/2 INCH GAP UNDER FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOF SAME SO AS NO DAYLIGHT CAN BE SEEN. OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. INSTRUCTED TO UPDATE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK, PROVIDE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS 7-38-020 ISSUED.

Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

Inspector’s note: Found all three of three compartment sinks not maintained. Found three compartment sinks being used to store papers, crates, stock items, not accessible for dish washing and not clean. Instructed to remove said items, detail clean said sinks, operate properly to wash, rinse, and sanitize multi-use utensils, and maintain same. Serious 7-38-030 issued. Dish washing facilities not maintained.

Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

Inspector’s note: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #26244 ON 05/18/09 BY #399: #31 MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL EQUIPMENT/ UTENSILS AND STORE UPSIDE DOWN. #32 MUST PAINT RAW WOOD AND RUSTY SHELVES WITH NON-TOXIC PAINT. #33 MUST CLEAN HOOD CANOPY STOVE, WALK IN FREEZER. #34 MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN COOKING AREA, MUST REPAIR HOLES AT FLOOR, MAINTAIN, AND DETAIL CLEAN IN BUTCHER AREA, #36 MUST INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS IN BASEMENT AND 1ST. FLOOR THROUGHOUT. MUST INSTALL LIGHT IN REAR PREP. SERIOUS 7-42-090 ISSUED.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE AND HAND SINK AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DRAIN RACK AND OR DRAIN BOARD AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CEILING SECTIONS IN BASEMENT AND REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING PANELS.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKS AT FAUCET AND HANDLES AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER THROUGHOUT.